Dissecting-Nothing.

I've noticed of late that my posts tend to be filled with pictures than words. Come to think of it, I 've begun to notice little random details that seem to fill my life now...as compared to before. Is it becaue I am now alone, out of my comfort zone, being an individual in a new place and world? Now, things that I used to take for granted present themselves in a whole new light. Or it just might be the change of seasons, the new cold tinge to the air, the foreign particles that I have been breathing in for more than a month. Whatever the cause, I realize that it might just be a good thing. A chance to rethink and regather- fractured thoughts, stray ends, hanging relationships, false lies and the chance to prove myself to the one person that matters- Me.



In line with the gut feeling of change and uneasiness, I tend to dissect random thoughts throughout the day. This one occured to me halfway through retail ownerships listing: So, I am finally getting older. Thanks to the individuals who kindly posted pre-birthday greetings...(I'm looking at you and you! You guys know who you are! Warm thoughts are so appreciated...but I think I'd rather trade for a day in Italy or Miri, just to be with you). I wonder: am I finally ready to be the big 2?



Somehow, apart from my incessant need to be or feel in control of every aspect of my life, I ponder the likelihood of ever feeling like a grown up. I may just be the most child-like grown up ever; appearance wise and thought-wise. The appearance I am slowly coming to terms with. The thought process...I don't think I want to change. I am thankful with the fact that I still get to view the world in a childlike state, partly I know of the ills and omens but I am still detached from feeling the true state of things. I see blue clouds instead of grey and try to find the light in dark situations. So for the past 20 years of my life, I have been truly blessed. I can't comprehend the hurt and the hopelessness that peers talk to me about...is it because I have yet to experience it myself? Will it all change now?



Will I decompose into another individual? Will I view more shades than merely black and white? Will I stop enjoying the feeling of wind on my face? Will I start to question life?



Pft, I sound afraid of my own birthday. Who has ever heard of pre-birthday blues? Then again, in moments like this, it helps to remember that not everyone come out of life attached to an emotional blackhole. No matter how old or how deluded with life they become. There are always those who tend to see the positive side of things, who pursue what they believe in, who never say never, who inspire and enjoy and never regret past decisions. Who take life as it comes. Essentially, who I would like to be.



I only hope that this turning of age will come with new discoveries, new challenges and new surprises- to always keep me wanting more and never less; from life.

So when the leaves turn brown...

We wish for it to be spring again.


Hence, the fickleness of human nature. I has been in study mode for too long. Decided to take a breather! And came across- this breath-taking picture of cherry blossoms. I have always loved cheery blossoms for their delicate petals that belie their strength. Their symbolism in both Chinese and Japanese culture. To me, it is the ultimate representation of female wisdom and strength! To be soft yet tough, to be fragile yet hardy.


;)


My secret dream is to fly to Japan and just stand under the blossoms as they fall come autumn. (hurh, so its not a secret anymore but hey! we all have wishful desires!)






Dreaming of things to come... is the only way of getting on with life. In a never-ending cycle, you dream, you achieve or fail and you dream yet again. My ongoing mantra. Its just that, once in a while, you get so buzzed up and busy and painfully occupied that you can't spend time idling away time dreaming. In those moments- I've always wondered how I get through...


Then again, isn't it mere human nature to continue onwards? No matter how long we stand still or pause, it is a mere stop. That stop isn't the end. We only reach the end when we die.


So, when this pitstop of assignments and studies end...I hope I can dream once again.

Picture Credits:
Bliss

We do Dinner.

Yes, apparently I can cook! And apparently, so can my adorable flatmates! Erm... (shifty eyes) after all my failures in Miri, I seem to be the type who learns from mistakes! Mother dearest, do not fret! I can survive on my own!!!


So, since we have established (in the short one month of living together) that we are quite adept in the art of throwing things together to make something edible- what better thing to do than COOK a potluck on Saturday!


I am so lucky to be in a flat full of people who eat and love to eat. Hahah, pun intended. My dear coursemates always complain of flatties on diets, flatties who always eat out and what nots. So, I'm in a lovable food environment! Proof:

The girl who started it all!
She googled for a recipe to cook Enoki Mushrooms.
Hence, the tip of the iceberg: Enoki Mushrooms!

I am veering off topic BUT...BUT...
I must introduce this piece of heaven to as many people possible!
Rocklea Road from Darrell Lea!
From the Seven Deadly Sins-
This is my LUST.

;)

From Enoki Mushroom,
it turned into Vietnames Spring Roll...
To Potatoes,
and ended with Soup!


Bacon, Chinese Cabbage, Enoki Mushroom Rolls by Fish and ShuDuan!

This is so delicious and So Very Yummy!
(capitalized because it deserves Capitals!)
Ingredients: Bacon strips, Enoki Mushrooms/ Jin-Zhen-Gu, Chinese Cabbage.
Cut into long strips. Roll and hold with wooden sticks.
Steam for approx. 20 minutes.


Variation:
Bacon and Enoki Mushrooms.
Same preparation.
Bake with cheese as toppings for 30 minutes.














Spring Rolls by Me and Esther!

A very satisfying Saturday evening indeed! We voted Potluck as a Saturday Flat 6 Flat Tradition from today onwards! Hehhehe, more interesting recipes to try out...and try very hard to not burn down the kitchen! Fish almost set a tea towel on fire and the fire lighter dropped to the back of the stove!


On a random note, I am actually eating muesli and apples with yoghurt as we speak, in vain effort of trying to keep myself awake so that I can study! One more mid-term and assignment respectively to go before Easter hols! I can't wait! Know how they say the grass is always greener on the other side? Well, the air is always fresher to me on holidays! If that makes sense... ;P


Going off to slug at minute words and random diagrams with too many arrows...While marveling at the human element called human nature. Gambarimasu!

Listening:
Fish Leong and her many love songs

Thinking:
Of the winter jacket I saw the other day!
& why is autumn so cold?

Wanting:
To watch Confessions of a Shopaholic.
Shopping is an art.

Dreaming:
Of next Friday's planned outing!

Question Mark: Why?

This skin is here to annoy people. But, seriously, Cute kan? Betul ka sik?


HAHAHAHAHAH!

In between catching breaths: Procastinating.

Spot the man among the rocks.
No, I did not have the courage to ask him what he was doing...
was too far up to shout anyway!

Fish in the 'Surprise'!
I'm not allowed to talk about it until April.
Miri people attending the graduation/ awards ceremony...Heads up!
I've seen it, Fish has seen it...
N we love the surprise!!!

Annual Perth Arts Festival.
Sculptures on display in Cottlesloe.
Will head back to document all of them...some other time.
When the sun is not so evil!

Gigantic watch I seriously wanted to bring home.
We can vote for our fav sculpture.
This is definitely mine.
The detailing is amazing!

In the words of our tour guide:
"The stupidest sign ever."
Beach. Water.
Aren't these two things practically twins???

Beachy feel extended to walkways in Cottlesloe.
How many sea creatures can u see?

Bad Flu Day.
Hurh.

My lovely lovely cape!
One can see a bit of detail here- erm, one button actually.
But it was really a steal at AUS$ 4.95!!!

Jen, dun throw tantrum when you see this okay...
It's really handy!
Kill two birds with one stone, get it?
Hehhehe....

Mind-blowing Rodarte campaign.
Now I don't have to explain my love for the Sisters Mulleavy.

Gigi's insides spewing out.
She needs the ER.
Or for me to stop studying!

Extra fat on my thigh.
Ok lar- mebe jus me randomly pulling on my skin.




Still searching-
anyone have any hints?

Cloud-sick, not home-sick.
Where art thou, clouds of Aus?
How can the sky be so...clear and blue?

Love the sunlight glinting off the leaves.
Autumn is here!
Temperature switching between 15 - 23 oC everyday!

Harbour Town is Love.
Erm, not everything is mine.
Cindy, beloved partner in crime,
When is our next heist?

I miss my egg tarts.
The custardy-eggy-creamy ones back from SauPau Bakery.

New Girl Crush.
Rinko Kikuchi.
Gremlin lovers, unite.

Gotta:
Stop Procastinating.


Debating:
To attend class or Not?


Thinking:
of DimSum this Saturday!


Cooking:
Dumpling, carrot and tomato soup tonite.


Listening:
Her Space Holiday!

I like you so very much

So much in fact that I gotta wake you up,
Its not that I have words to speak,
I just wanna see you looking at me.
I miss you so very much so much in fact I gotta call you up,
Its not that I have news to bring,
I just wanna make your telephone ring...

-Sleepy Tigers (Her Space Holiday)




Just discovered this gem of a musician through a totally sweet, cute and inspiring commercial on TV! In fact, I got so inspired by this ad that I actually sent in a resume to the company! I so wanted to work for them after this ad!!! Hence the power and persuasiveness of marketing and advertising!


Without further ado- let me share my little friend with you:

For a slightly better version:
YouTube (Click on LINK)


Property of:
Gloria Jeans and Her Space Holiday


;)

Time, Please tell me the truth

-Sara Bareilles

-Easy and slow
-Read 'Chasing Harry Winston' delighting in chick-lit
-Cereal and chicken soup day
-Remembered my daily vit supply
-Milk turned sour (sad)
-DID 50 SIT-UPS (PROUD)
-Cleaned the kitchen!

-Free "Breadou" (that's the cute little bun which smells like a bun!)
- I love Curtin Events (cough free stuff cough)
- Realised that I've been happy and smiley since I got to Perth!
-Went to Northbridge...Icey Ice is so yummy...
-Shu Duan is cute. She bought popsicles...I want them too now...
- Studied the night away.

-Made my bed.
-Bersemangat so I took a picture.
-Its so warm now that I throw off the quilt during the night.
-And leave a bowl of water in front of the fan to cool my room!
-Family called. Had a nice long chat...Miss them all very very much...

-The post card wall.
-Nope, its not finished yet.
-Fish's PostCard Theory: take 6 each for the nice ones,
3 each for the not so nice ones.
-_-

-Nothing much to say... Glad its the weekend again!
-Full class day...but its interesting!
-Spot the sign behind the fairy...handmade by Fish...with free cloth!
-Thanks, Fiona! We aspire to save the world by taking free stuff!
HAHAHAHHAHAH!



-Bright little flower cup that reminds me of my daily chores.

-Keeps me in focus while brigtening up my day.
-My mom bought it. Its gone from-China-Malaysia-Australia.
;)

-Many thanks to Bay!

-The above is his creation! Its a steamer!
-YAY!!! I had steamed fish!!!

-Seriously, the more you shake it, the thicker it becomes!
-Hmmm, so thick, in fact, I cud not finish it, its in the fridge as we 'speak'.
-Calvin and I sat on the grass today...Erm, prickly? That's all I can say!




Lovely Week indeed!

I used to Roll the Dice

- Doing a little ColdPlay loving...I just love their new song...


Little snitches of my life so far:


I miss my alone time. No one at home, eerie silence, neighbours washing their cars, the sound of wooden floorboards creaking under my feet type of 'alone time'. Just sitting back, doing nothing ...and rejoicing in my solitude. I miss just giving myself a sad movie day and crying buckets of tears or not needing to cook because I know my mom will feed me. I miss walking around in my garden doing flips here and there and lying on the grass, heck, I even miss mowing the grass. Don't get me wrong, I love my flatmates and all my really great friends in Perth, its just that one bit of 'Me-Time' that I crave. So, flatties, when I lock myself up and don't answer your knocks- don't think I'm weird.


I probably discovered the best Italian Restaurant ever! Well, in my short 20 years of life, that is. Ciao Italia is my local favorite now! The atmosphere, the staff, the decorations, the 'treatment'...ahahaha, don't get me started on the food...scrumptious, delectable and 100% Italian. They even celebrate birthdays with an Italian flair!


I've started a post-card wall now. There's this stand in my uni building that provides students with an unlimited supply of post cards! Arty ones, grafitti-splashed ones and even statement making ones. Pictures when I am finished with the wall!


I think that my cooking is actually edible. So far, no upset stomachs, no throwing ups and no leftovers! Good news eh? And I am actually feeling very. very domesticated. Just yesterday, Fish and Me had a whole discussion on Coles and their offers. -_- Instead of 'Want to watch the new movie out this week?' it was 'Eh, Dory Fillets are going for 4 this week. Let's go get them.' I grieve for our social life.


Stupid guy living across my flat is playing Rihanna up to the max. At 12 midnight. Stupid bugger. Ever heard of headphones? Annoying the hell out of me and everyone else. And, his playlists suck. Someone, please call Security now?


Speaking of Rihanna, I am shocked. I will never buy/support/or look at Chris Brown products again. I will not stand for domestic violence.


Workload is starting to pile up. I can't believe I actually spent a Sunday night doing homework. -_- Woe betide the nerd I am becoming. Still, this semester is looking to be an interesting one. I've got so many multi-cultural groups in my classes that I am stoked to actually attend class...Just made friends with some Mauritians last week. They speak French...I'm trying to get them to correct my accent around...'Je taime Chanel 2.55'.


This is my fittest week ever. Due to lack of transportation, I am now walking to uni four days a week...back and forth, I do a 60 minutes trek. An Australian Gov health initiative says that you need to walk at least 30 minutes per day. I fit that criteria perfectly. Healthy me, here I come!


Heard classmates arguing over the new Aussie dictation of 'Two Standard Drinks Limitation' just announced recently. Well, in my opinion, its not stopping the weekly Wednesday night drinks from happening...Nothing much to argue about...you know...


Budgeting stands right in between...eating 5 serves of veggies and cleaning the toilet. Both unpreferable activities, both hated but both a 'got-to-do' kind of thing. Sigh.


On the random side, I am itching for a DSLR. Jen, I blame you for this. I took one look at the pictures of Fish and Hui that you did and was sold.

Wanting:
All the latest movies-
Can someone kindly download them and send them over?

Leaning:
Towards studying on Saturdays.
(SHOCK)

Anticipating:
Going for Vietnamese tomolo @ NorthBridge

Going:
To Sleep Now!

To a Fairytale Ending

Here's to new beginnings
And even better endings:



To a dear old friend,
I'm puzzled as how to begin;
This special birthday wish,
As significant as it is.

The rudimentary greetings,
The good luck wishing,
The All the Best hugging,
The flying-kiss kissing.



This year,
When all the wishes has been said and done;
I reserve one more special wish for you-
From me.

I promise to be there for you,
stay still and strong by your side,
To listen and not judge,
To see and not go 'tsk-tsk'.

To provide comfort and peace of mind,
To embrace and find solace,
To tell you a reassuring word,
To tease you to coax a laugh.

To share girly gossip,
To entertain beauty tips,
To ascertain our other halves (not that I have one),
Stay by our side forever and ever!

From me,
to you,
I have a simple wish:
"To our friendship!"



So, dearest one,
May you have a memorable 21,
With all your closest friends,
Wishing you 'All the Best!'



Happy, Happy Birthday!

Pictures:
Jen and Poladroid

Appetizer- First Week

Like the title suggests-
let's do this nice and slow.

First up- a mish mash with brusting flavours for you to savor:
The First Week.

There is just so much to update! I've been really bad with keeping track of all the places I've been to these past few weeks, but... I'm gonna have to try really hard with categorizing them tonite! So there will be sporadic updates to this loooong post now and again when I remember something that I want to add!


First off, my journey down under began with a 3 day 2 night camp at Busselton! Many fellow international students have exclaimed their surprise that I've actually visited Busselton just a mere one day after I landed in Perth! Busselton is more of a 'Its Summer Hols Lets Go On a Road Trip' kind of thing for students- so thanks JCUS for this great opportunity to enjoy Perth's spectacular beaches!


Busselton is located in between Margaret River and Augusta, along the shoreline of the Pacific Ocean. It was also my first dip in the Pacific Ocean! Erm, not really significant that, its just the nerd in me showing through- what with a geographic lesson to boot.

Pacific Ocean glinting just for me and Fish!
We were stoked when we finally saw the pic on the comp.
It was completely unedited.

The Five of Us (Introducing my flatmates- Me, Fish, LeeLing, Esther and PeiChee) had a really swell time getting to know each other and making new friends with very welcoming and friendly aussie students. We even celebrated Chap Goh Meh (15th Day of CNY) with all of our fellow camp mates who were so kind and wished us all Happy CNY!

Scenic and relaxing Busselton.
The sky was so blue.
I love blue skies but I miss my clouds...

From Busselton, we then went on to Yallingup for a day trip. Gosh, Aussies really love their beaches and sport. During that short time at camp, we learned how to play beach volleyball, cricket and erm...a chocolate game which was actually an excuse to eat choc. Heheheh! Loads of experimental fun!

Fish bersemangat during Balloon Time.
Why?
Because she finally figured out how to twist a balloon into a fish.
-_-

Balloon fun time. That is the Sydney Opera House, mind you.
It is a work of art!

For me, it was a comfort to be with so many people. It was the first time away from home for me (nope, National Service does not count) and I think my homesickness was delayed. It really hit the second day and I would have wallowed in self pity and extreme depression if not for the sunny, fun people and crazy activities in store for us! It was relaxing and a really great way for me to come to terms with my new found independence while banishing my homesickness away!

Short stop-over at Simmo's for Ice Cream.
Yummy Yummy.
We were all well-fed and well-rested by the time we got back to Curtin Bentley.
Thanks so much, JCUS!

Right. I had better explain about JCUS for a bit. Its actually called the John Curtin Leadership Scholarship. John Curtin is the founder of Curtin University, which I am currently attending. In his honor, this scholarship is awarded to 6 outstanding australians every year. It was these new scholars that were at camp with us and made sure we had a blast for our very first few days in Aus.

PC at Yallingup.
He is the kindest and cutest flat mate a Gal could ask for.

Happy Flatties at Yallingup.
Love the crystal clear water and the Rock Pools.
I'll def head back there!

No Pics of the other campers cos they were all in beach gear playing cricket.
We were out exploring on our own because Yallingup, to them, is a local thing.
Hahahha! For us, the beautiful waters won us over!

So after the whole journey down south (if I'm not mistaken), LeeLing's Sis took us on a tour organized by her church. Hehhehe, believe me, there is no shortage of religious refuge here in Perth, all religious outlets are allowed to advertise (freedom of media, freedom of speech...) and trust me when I say they use it to their advantage!


Anyway, it was a nice way of seeing Perth's many main spots, complete with many new friends and yummy BBQ! Me and Fish fell in love with the many parks and Freo (Fremantle). Summer is actually coming to an end in Australia and thus, the leaves have started to change color- picture time!

Finally- A Flat 6 Flat Pic.
(Omg. Sound so horrible- Flat 6 Flat)
L-R, LeeLing.Esther.PC.Fish.Me.

Out spying on the locals.
Victoria Gardens is actually a park in one of the more upscale housing suburbs of Perth.
Unlike New York upper east side elegance,
Victoria Gardens has a more quaint, softly upscale look.
I like.

Evil amytheyst that is taller than me in Freo.
Freo is my relaxation zone.
More on that in another post!
In actual fact, there are just so many nice spots in Perth,
with so many interesting details,
I have no idea when I will finish posting my 'First Few Weeks in Perth' thing.

There are so many, many more pictures that I want to share with you guys- its a real pity that my hostel bandwidth is holding me back, so in a win-win situation... head over to Facebook (Click! Its linked!) to view all the pics.


So, there you have it, my eventful first week that didn't give me a chance to mourn my bed/blanket/TV/various stuff I could not bring over...and my family. I'm slowly adjusting to student life away from home, cooking, cleaning, having late nite conversations etc etc...and I am enjoying every moment of it. Workload this semester is also heavier but we're all going to support and motivate one another! Seriously, I could not be happier at the friends and strangers that have welcomed me into Perth. Sincerely, I say thank you.


For all my friends at various locations in the world! Woot, truly global! I miss you guys! Take care, stay strong and I can't wait for you guys to come visit! Next up: City Life and Cindy!

Waiting:
For my hectic class schedule to really start.

Missing:
My mom's cooking. I think I'm thinner.

Wanting:
Unlimited allowance = unlimited spending.

Hoping:
For a smooth semester and a great 2009!



Pictures Credits:
Qing or Fish